Report of the Inauguration of Mysore University Library and Information Science Student Association (MULISSA)

Mysore University Library and Information Science Student Association (MULISSA) is a student forum to support the overall development of students. MULISSA is in action for more than 35 years. Every year it is constituted with the current batch of students as its members. Department nominated faculty member faculty member would act as its advisor. A student elected committee co-ordinates the overall activities. ‘Friday Talk’ – a lecture series on every Friday organised by MULISSA – has been ascribed by NAAC as one of the ‘best practices’ in the campus. The main objectives of MULISSA are:
* To enhance academic and professional skills/knowledge among its members
* To provide opportunity for enrichment of cultural and sport abilities
* To foster relationships among faculty, staff, and students

As per the tradition, MULISSA for the current academic year was inaugurated on the Friday 19th October 2007. Prof. B. Nagappa, the retired professor of MyDLIS (Department of Library and Information Science, Mysore) inaugurated the association by lighting the lamp. In his speech he took the audience to a historical journey from ‘clay tablet libraries’ to ‘digital libraries’. He traced the changes in the nomenclature of librarians from ‘keeper of books’ to ‘librarians’ to ‘information scientists’. He highlighted the importance of the role of librarians in the society. He said ‘smile’, ‘work’ and ‘think’ are the three qualities of a librarian. He opined that the challenges of present day librarians are very high and the students have to be aware about them in order to prepare themselves for the future challenges in their career. He cautioned the professionals that unless we welcome the changes and learn the art of the game very fast, some body else would take away our jobs. Prof. Nagappa said the four basic principles of Charles Darwin propounded in his book ‘On the origin of species’ published in 1859 could be construed as the basic principles for success in life. He showed how librarians can interpret the Darwin’s principles “Struggle for existence”, “Survival of the fittest”, “Natural selection” and “Adaptation to the environment” to face the challenges.

Dr. Mallinath Kumbar, Chairman and President of MULISSA presided over the function. Dr. N.S. Harinarayana, the faculty advisor for the current batch and Dr. M. Chandrashekara, Reader in the Department were present on the occasion.

Students of MLISc managed the whole show. Ms. Umme Asima N.A welcomed the gathering and Ms. Sajana C. proposed vote of thanks. Mr. K. R. Udaya Bhaskar was the compere during the programme.